"Main Street Café"
Thanks for saving us from that close call.
"Maria von Messina" I'm Maria. And this is...
"Sizilien von Klode"
Sizilien.
M-My name's Shin.
"Grumble grumble" If only we could use magic already, we could have beaten them up easily.
Magic? Are you a student at the magic academy?
I will be if I pass the entrance exam next month. Together with Sizilien.
Oh, both of you are taking it, too.
--"Too"? --I'm taking it, too.
No way! With the moves you've got, you're going to be a magician?
We were sure you were a student at the knight training school.
If we pass, we'll be going to the same school.
Let's all give it our best.
I'm going after the top score, so you won't get the best of me.
Ha-ha, well, I'm going to take it slowly.
Well, you're not very competitive.
Huh? Oh, um...
Am I being too familiar?
Um... I, uh...
What's the matter, Sizilien?
Huh? Oh, nothing.
A-Ahem... L-Let's do our best!
Mm-hmm.
So, Shin, which middle school did you go to?
Oh, I just arrived in the capital.
Oh, yeah? Say, did you know that the wise man and guru
recently returned to the capital?
Y-Yeah, I think I heard something about that.
What, you're not interested in them?
They're national heroes! The extraordinary magician Merlin the Wise Man,
who valiantly did away with the demonoid, and Melida the Guru,
who, with magical gear and unimaginable beauty, relentlessly hunts demons!
As long as they are in the country--no, the world,
--This is going to be the death of me. --they will always be the ultimate inspirations! Living legends!
Um, are you all right?
Oh, yeah. Maria, you sure like Grand-- the wise man and the guru, huh?
Of course I do!
Also, word is that their grandson will be testing for the magic academy, too.
'ulp.
Ah, I wonder what he's like.
I'd like to thank my lucky stars that I'm the same age as him!
Well, I should get going...
We'll pay for our own drinks.
Oh, that's okay.
Let me get this one.
I have to admit, he was actually pretty cool.
Mm-hmm...
He's strong, is supposedly a magician, and not very presuming.
Mm-hmm...
Say, mind if I kiss him?
Mm-hmm...
Mind if I take him for my own?
Huh?
N-No, you can't!
Hey, Maria!
I've never seen you like this before, Sizilien.
So, what is this? Don't tell me it's any pushover heroine nonsense
like falling for him at first sight because he rescued you.
I don't think that's it, but, um...
It's like I'm really nervous. My heart just started pounding,
and my body got really warm...
Hold on a second. Are you for real?
"Day of the entrance exam"
Are they all here to sit for exams?
If I pass, I'll be able to see that girl, Sizilien, again.
All right, I'll give this test all I've got!
Hey, you! Stand aside!
Where's the room...? There it is.
Hey! You insolent twerp!
Didn't you hear me?!
What are you doing?! Let me go!
What's the big idea, grabbing my shoulder without any warning?
Then you ask me what I'm doing?
Why, you! I'm Kurt von Rietsburg!
"Kurt von Rietsburg" Why, you! I'm Kurt von Rietsburg!
Okay. I'm Shin.
I am the heir of Count Rietsburg!
Oh, you don't say.
You think you can defy me and get away with it?!
That's enough.
At the magic academy, throwing your authority around is severely punished.
That's not a school rule; that's the law, by royal decree.
Y-You're...
Who is this?
If you won't follow it, are you disobeying the royal family?
N-No, not at all!
This is the entrance exam. Don't do anything to upset everyone else.
Y-Yes, sir!
The way you turned his introduction around on him was masterful.
Hmm, looks like you're as unworldly as I've heard.
Huh?
"August von Earlsheid"
My name is August von Earlsheid. My friends call me Aug.
"Aug" My name is August von Earlsheid. My friends call me Aug.
Earlsheid? You mean...
You're Uncle Dis's son?!
"Uncle Dis's son." I've never been called that before.
When it gets out that I'm the prince,
people always start kissing up to me in a hurry.
Still, if you're Uncle's son, it kind of makes us cousins.
Yeah, you're right! Cousins!
I'm glad to see something about that makes you happy.
All right, let's both hang in there together, okay?
Why is Shin speaking so casually with Prince August?
I wonder who Shin really is.
Never mind him, he's the real problem.
Imagine, him coming to this school.
"Written examination room"
"Practical examination room"
Now, aim at that target,
and cast your best magic spell at it with all your might.
You'll go first.
Right!
Oh, I've never seen anyone my age do magic before! What will he do?
All-burning flames!
--Huh? --Gather within my hands and strike the enemy!
Fire Ball!
How embarrassing! How embarrassing!
Okay, that will do. Next!
--Raging currents of water! Whirl into my hands and wash forth!
--What are they doing? Is that... --Raging currents of water! Whirl into my hands and wash forth!
--Water Shoot!
--...the way they chant?! --Water Shoot!
Dance lightly, wind!
Dance smartly, wind! Raise a gust that mows down all else!
Wind Storm!
As showy as that was, what a pitiful showing!
Great mother terra firma, give me your strength.
Form stones to drive away the enemy! Earth Blast!
Why does she look so self-satisfied?
Oh, what kind of self-deluded magic recital is this?
Is something wrong? It's your turn.
R-Right.
Hmm, I heard about you from His Majesty. Keep your power under control,
and make sure not to destroy the training room.
Uncle Dis, what exactly did you tell her?
Just enough power to destroy that target, understand?
Okay, I guess I'll go with this.
--Huh? --Huh? --H-Hey!
He's...
No chant?
I told you to keep your power under control!
Right. I was holding back quite a bit, actually...
You were? I see.
Good work, then.
Thank goodness she didn't get mad at me.
The wise man's grandson is that powerful?
Yes.
That settles who has top marks in this year's entrance exams.
"The day passing scores are posted"
Here, please.
Okay, let me check this.
Oh? You're Shin Wolford, aren't you?
Yes.
Here are your uniform and textbooks.
Your uniform has been enchanted with defensive magic.
Please don't get any ideas about re-enchanting it on your own, okay?
Can I not let my grandma re-enchant it?
By grandmother, you mean... Oh, the guru, right?
In that case, no problem.
Well then, I'm gonna give them a magic makeover!
Oh, and Wolford, you're the top scorer,
so please come up with a speech
on behalf of the new students at the entrance ceremony.
Huh?!
Top score? New student speech?
Yes.
No, no, no! This year we have Aug--
I mean, Prince August, right here!
What are you talking about, Mr. Top Scorer?
Here at the tradition-rich Earlsheid Magic Academy,
having the top scorer deliver the new student speech
has been a tradition since the academy opened!
There is no rank at this school; it's completely merit-based!
And royalty is no exception. So that's that. Good luck.
This guy is definitely mean-spirited!
Aww, I guess I missed out on the top score.
Tch, that Shin!
It's not just his moves; his magic is incredible, too!
Are you sure you don't want to go talk to him?
Y-Yeah, not right now. I don't even know what I'd say to him yet.
What are you talking about?
You both passed; that's something you have in common, right?
I'm not an S-Class, I'm an A?! That's ridiculous!
What's worse, that guy who shamed me got the top score?!
There's no doubt he did something dishonest.
Or I'd have never... He'll pay for this...
He'll pay for this... He'll pay for this...
He'll pay for this...!
Hmm, it's been enchanted with
"Magic defense" magic defense, shock suppression, and antifouling.
"Shock suppression" magic defense, shock suppression, and antifouling.
"Antifouling" magic defense, shock suppression, and antifouling.
This is pretty high-quality magical gear. But I'm still overwriting it!
"Nullify magic effects"
I'll use this to nullify the enchantments.
The maximum amount I can enchant on this uniform is 20 characters.
"Activate magic effects"
There's "antifouling," "auto-healing," and "magic defense,"
but the barriers I've visualized up to now won't cut it.
I need to change my mindset-- don't just stop the magic,
but disperse the very magic power that constitutes it.
Same for physical defense.
"Antifouling" "Auto-healing" "Absolute Magic Defense" "Complete Physical Shock Absorption" Convert the magic to kinetic energy...
It worked!
Why are you shouting in the middle of the night?!
Granny!
Look at this uniform!
Uniform?
Is that...?
"Day of the entrance ceremony"
Remember Shin, make sure you tell no one about your uniform.
Mm-hmm, I know.
Hey, those capes...
They're from the highest order...
Could those two be...?
--Master Merlin the Wise Man! --Mistress Melida the Guru!
Good grief, here we go again.
We're not on exhibition, here!
--Master Wise Man! --Mistress Guru!
Hey, Shin.
Are you nervous?
No, I'm fine.
In addition to my father, the king,
all of the country's nobility and leading figures will be here today.
We're looking forward to a terrific speech, Mr. Top Scorer.
You're just holding it against me for taking the top spot, aren't you?
"Entrance ceremony hall"
Here come the new students.
I have to admit, Sizilien being nobility is one thing, but Maria, too?
Hey, that's not very nice.
Moving on, we will now have our new student address.
This year's entrance exam top scorer, Shin Wolford!
Right!
"Wolford"?
That's right. Shin Wolford.
The hero's grandson.
--Huh?! --Huh?!
I am Shin Wolford, speaking on behalf of the incoming students.
On this fine day, as our parents, guardians, and visitors look on,
it is a great pleasure to be welcomed by teachers and current students
as we join Earlsheid Magic Academy.
"S-Class classroom"
Congratulations on enrolling.
"Alfred Marcus" I'm the S-Class homeroom teacher, Alfred Marcus.
I was formerly with the magic division.
I'll also be your practical arts teacher, so it's nice to meet you.
Now then, today,
I'll lay out tomorrow's schedule, and we'll finish.
Shin, do you have a moment?
Hmm?
You have a man hounding you, Sizilien?
Shh! You're being too loud! Sizilien keeps turning him down,
but he's taking advantage of his family's power to threaten her.
That's horrible. Who is this guy?
He's here at this school.
What?
I'm sorry to spring this on you like this, Shin.
What are you talking about? On the contrary, I'm glad you told me.
Hey, Sizilien!
Why, you...!
Where do you get off talking to another man?!
--Kurt? --That's him!
Get over here!
What do you think you're doing?!
I could ask you the same thing.
Sizilien is my fiancée! Stay away from her!
So he says.
U-Um...
It's okay. No matter what happens, I'll protect you.
Shin...
I declined your engagement!
Your hounding me and declaring on your own that we're engaged is harassment!
Y-You dare defy me?!
I have no intention of taking orders from you!
You sure about that, Sizilien?
Your father is a manager at the finance bureau, right?
My father is the undersecretary there.
With a single word to my father...
Why that...!
Enough of that!
Prince August!
Did you forget what I said the other day?
Well, I...
Moreover, it's inexcusable for you to apply pressure from your father.
It's an affront to the royal family.
Maybe I should have a word with the finance bureau chief.
Y-You wouldn't...
Get lost.
All right.
Thank you so much, Your Highness.
I just about lost my cool.
Hey, it sounded like things were going down an ugly path.
I did want to see what you would do, though.
Jump in right away, would you?
"No matter what happens, I'll protect you."
That was pretty cool.
Right, Klode?
Huh? Well, I mean...
That was pretty cool...
There you have it.
Damn, she is so cute!
So, you think everything's okay now?
Hmm, judging by the look in his eyes, you still need to be careful.
I've got it! Would you all come over to my place?
You mean the wise man and guru's home?
If you have something else, I'm not forcing--
I'm coming! I'm coming! J-Just a moment!
I'm going to go let my parents know! Okay, Sizilien?
M-Mm-hmm...
I'll come, too. My father will probably be by, as well.
"Julius von Littenheim" "Thor von Flegel"
We are His Highness's escorts.
"Drawing room" You're running awfully late.
"Drawing room" What have you been up to?
Sorry, there was a bit of a situation.
Oh, allow me to introduce my classmates.
You already know who Aug is, right? This is Maria and Sizilien.
And that's Thor and Julius.
It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance.
P-P-Pleased to meet you! I'm Maria!
I'm S-Sizilien.
I'm Thor.
I am Julius.
I see. Is that right?
So anyway, Granny,
for safety's sake,
I'd like to overwrite the enchantment on Sizilien's uniform.
Enchantment?
What do you mean?
Yes, indeed. Your name was Sizilien, right?
Y-Yes!
"Physical shock" "Antifouling" "Absolute magic defense" This overwritten enchantment is an especially radical matter.
Shin is quite serious about keeping you safe.
Do you think you are worthy to accept it?
Worthy, you say?
You're making too much of it.
Keep quiet!
Do you have any idea what has become of your uniform?
What's become of it?
It's already national-treasure-grade protective gear.
National treasure grade?!
I can't even guess what kind of price
protective gear this enchanted would fetch.
And he's about to perform that on your uniform.
Are you ready and worthy to receive that?
Well then, I'm not... worthy to accept it.
Huh?
I've taken advantage of Shin's kindness.
I thought that once I explained the situation, he'd sympathize and help me.
He is so strong. I can understand why you'd want to turn to him.
Shin is a complete outsider, but he still helped me,
said he'd protect me,
and I was so glad...
That's not true! I'm the one who put you up to it--
I'm sorry, Shin! I'll take care of this somehow on my own.
I'm sorry to have bothered you, too, Mistress Melida.
--Sizilien! --Just a moment.
If you had accepted it without saying anything...
...I would have thrown you out of here.
But you told the truth.
You renounced your chance to obtain national-treasure-grade protective gear.
That's not something just anyone could do.
But I tricked Shin...!
What's wrong with a girl trying to trick a boy?
What you did was adorable. Just look at Shin. He hasn't even realized it.
In fact, you turned to him, so he's probably all worked up.
Yeah, I am.
Sizilien, I don't think that you've played me.
I wanted to help you of my own initiative.
So don't deny my initiative, okay?
You're more than welcome to use me.
Shin...
I'm sorry to have tested you. I had to make absolutely sure about you.
Listen, Shin...
What is it?
I had no idea at all that she was trying to use you.
Neither did I.
But Melida saw right through her.
If you'd gone ahead and enchanted her uniform,
her heart might have been crushed by the guilt afterward.
My enchantments are that big a deal?
I can't believe you didn't know. But never mind you...
Your grandma carries all the weight around here, doesn't she?
It was like I was thin air just now.
Hang in there, Grandpa.
"Other thin-air people"
I have to say,
I'm impressed by your honesty.
When I was your age, I wouldn't have spoken up.
When Shin saved me, I was really happy.
But I felt so apologetic, it was hard for me to keep quiet.
I'd sure like to keep her in line somehow.
The letters are disappearing!
Are you deleting them?
It's such a preposterous sight, no matter how often I see it.
Ho-ho, you've certainly grown.
All done.
You really can do anything, huh?
It is, after all, just magic gear.
It needs some degree of magic power to be applied for it to activate.
Which means it won't protect you against sneak attacks.
Moreover, it doesn't extend to areas not covered by the uniform,
so your arms, legs, and head will be vulnerable.
Father, this is...
Yes, I know.
Shin, if I may?
This enchantment is outstanding. No, it's more than outstanding.
If this gets out into the world, there'll be hell to pay.
You must never tell anyone else about this.
It's that serious?
If the military finds out about it,
there could be those who would wish to declare war.
Declare war?!
I suppose you're right. I hadn't thought about that possibility.
Ah, that's the first time Shin's ever regretted something!
Ho-ho!
So long as you understand.
I was going to perform the same enchantment on Aug's uniform.
But that's a bad idea, huh?
Aug, I'm sorry.
J-Just a second, Shin!
Don't you think it would be okay as long as we don't misuse them?
I've enchanted everyone else's. Maria, are you sure about this?
I don't want to wear a big mass of state secrets.
Thank you very much. Wearing this makes me feel like you're protecting me.
I'm extremely happy!
Okay, Sizilien, starting tomorrow, I'll take you home, okay?
But won't that be an imposition on you?
It's all right. We'll use a gate.
What's that?
This bit of magic.
Go ahead and step inside.
Where are we?!
The house where Grandpa and I used to live.
Just a minute! You said you lived deep in the forest, didn't you?
That's where this is.
You mean this is teleportation magic?!
It's not exactly teleportation. More like connecting two places.
"Capital" "Forest" It's not exactly teleportation. More like connecting two places.
I don't know what you mean.
I can only create gates in places I've been before,
so once we take a carriage to your home, I can open one there.
O-Okay...
Ugh, this is starting to give me a headache!
I didn't think you could be as out of the loop as everyone said...
...but we can't even take your magic for granted.
Mr. Top Scorer flunks when it comes to common sense.
It isn't that bad, is it?
Huh?
"Huh"?
It is?